Muhammad Ali: The Boxing Legend

float like a butterfly, sting like a bee - Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali: The Boxing Legend

float like a butterfly, sting like a bee - Muhammad Ali

How it all started

Born on January 7th, 1942 given the name of Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky. In October of 1954 Cassius Clay's bike was stolen outside of Columbia Auditorium. He finds a policemen of Louisville, Joe Martin. Clay tells Martin that he wants to "Whup" whoever stole his bike. Martin also trains young boxers at Louisville gym. Martin told Ali " Well you better learn how to fight before you start challenging people that you're gonna whup," Soon Martin started training Ali.

Boxing

In 1956 he wins novice Golden Gloves Championship, fighting as a light heavy weight. In August 1960 he won a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, Ali nearly refused to participate because his fear of flying. October 1960 he signs a contract with Louisville Sponsoring Group & he bought his mother a pink Cadillac. February 25th, 1964 Ali upsets Sonny Liston to win the Heavy weight champion at age 22. March 6, 19864 Clay adopts a new name given to him by the leader of the Nation of Islam, "Muhammad Ali" which means "Praiseworthy one". Ali gets drafted for the Army but refuses, In 1967 June 27th, Ali is found guilty of refusing induction into the Army. They revoked his passport, while Ali appeals their decision. He was stripped by the boxing association of his title & was banned from Boxing for 3 1/2 years.

October 26,1979 certain states & boxing commissions begin to consider allowing Ali to fight after his ban. March 8th 1971- "Fight of The Century " Ali vs. Joe Frazier. Ali was defeated by decision after 15 rounds. October 30th, 1974 "Rumble in The Jungle" fight between old champion Ali vs. the reigning champion George Foreman. Ali defeats foreman & reclaims his title title of heavy weight Champion of the world. Between 1975-1978 Ali wins 2 fights loses his title to Leon Spinks & regains its 7 months later. He became the first three-time heavy weight champion.

in 1978 Walnut street was renamed Muhammad Ali Boulevard. On December 12,1981 he announces his retirement at age 39. In 1984 he announces he is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston

Fight of the Century

Ali vs. Joe Fraizer

Rumble in the Jungle

Ali vs. George Foreman

Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston

Fight of the Century

Ali vs. Joe Fraizer

Rumble in the Jungle

Ali vs. George Foreman

U.S. Olympic Team Tribute To Muhammad Ali

Awards and Honors.

I n 1996 he lights the flame at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Ali was named sportsman of the century by sports illustrated. Also named BBC sports personality of the century. He has debuted on the cover of Wheaties cereal box. Was awarded the presidential Medal of Freedom ( the highest U.S. civilian honor. There is a Muhammad Ali center in Louisville. Today Muhammad's annual Celebrity Fight Night has raised $45 million for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson center at Barrow Neurological Institute and other charity's.